One of the main ideas that Christianity emphasizes is forgiveness. It is a strong force that can change people’s lives, mend broken relationships, and free the captive.
This article will discuss what forgiveness is, its benefits and drawbacks, as well as how to forgive people.
What Is Forgiveness?
When you forgive someone or something that has hurt you, you are letting go of unpleasant feelings like wrath, bitterness, and resentment. It is not about erasing or justifying the injustice; rather, it is about embracing it, coming to terms with it, and making the decision to go on without letting it continue to affect you.
In other words, one of the most potent acts of compassion one can commit is forgiveness. It is a choice to offer compassion, empathy, and understanding while letting go of your rage, hatred, and bitterness toward people who have wronged you.
The Difficulties of Forgiveness.
1. It contradicts our innate instincts.
Our initial response when we are wronged is frequently to seek vengeance or to harbour resentment. To forgive someone who has wronged us, we must be humble and willing to let go of our pride. But when we decide to forgive, we are choosing to walk in the footsteps of Christ, who pardoned us even though we deserved it not.
2. There is no reconciliation as a result.
Although you can choose to forget what was done to you to set boundaries, you can also choose to forgive someone. In other words, forgiveness is not the same as forgetting, and it does not entail that the evil that has been done should be ignored or excused.
You can forgive someone and still hold them responsible for their deeds. When reconciliation is impossible, moving on and forgiving is a means to let go of the past.
3. It is not a one-time event.
It’s not always simple to forgive. It’s a process that frequently necessitates patience, time, and work. It could occasionally be necessary for you to face your feelings and work through the hurt and pain you have suffered. It can entail asking a therapist or a reliable friend for assistance. Yet when you decide to forgive, you’ll notice that the weight of resentment and bitterness starts to fade, and you may enjoy the freedom that comes with letting go.
The Benefits of Forgiveness.
For a Christian, showing forgiveness is a requirement, not a choice. Nonetheless, it is a difficult task that calls for determination, bravery, and humility. Nonetheless, there are numerous advantages to forgiving someone, both for the forgiver and the forgiven.
Giving forgiveness is an act of obedience to God, not just a pleasant thing to do.
See Matthew 6:14–15 ”
[14]“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.
[15]But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”(NLT).
This is a sobering reminder that our capacity for forgiveness depends on our capacity for forgiving others.
How to Forgive Others
Even though forgiving someone can be difficult, there are things you can do to make the process simpler.
Here are some pointers:
Acknowledge the Pain
Most people miss it here. It’s critical to acknowledge the hurt inflicted before you can forgive. Spend some time thinking about your feelings and letting yourself experience them completely.
Strive to view things from the viewpoint of others.
It can be important to try and understand things from the other person’s perspective before you get angry, conclude, or assume anything because your 9 might be another person’s 6. Even if you don’t have to justify their conduct, knowing why they did what they did can be helpful.
Give up Seeking Vengeance or Punishment
Getting rid of the urge for vengeance or retaliation is one of the most crucial steps in forgiving. Although it can be challenging, doing this is necessary if you want to move forward. You frequently find it difficult to forgive others because you are anxiously awaiting the chance to pay them back in their coin.
Paying them back in their coin, however, only elevates you to their level and does nothing to help your wounds.
CONCLUSION
Forgiveness has tremendous power. It can mend broken relationships, release you from the cycle of bad feelings, and bring about restoration and reconciliation. The Christian faith places a high value on forgiveness, and we are commanded to emulate Christ by forgiving others just as we have been forgiven. If you don’t forgive, you might make praying more difficult for yourself.
Do you currently sense a burden on your heart? Maybe it’s time to forgive that person.
Keep in mind that you are doing it for yourself and your inner peace, not for others.
Can you humbly pray to God about your pain and the other party involved? Pray for them slowly, then let it go. If you need to contact them, don’t be reluctant.